Actress Michelle Trachtenberg died of diabetes complications: officials – National | Globalnews.ca

May Be Interested In:Fantasy Baseball: These eight early standouts have staying power, Ben Rice and Kris Bubic included


Actor Michelle Trachtenberg died as a result of complications from diabetes, New York City’s medical examiner said Wednesday.

The office said in a statement that it amended the cause and manner of death for the 39-year-old New York City native following a review of laboratory test results.

Trachtenberg, who was known for “Gossip Girl,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Harriet the Spy,” was found unconscious and unresponsive in her luxury apartment tower in Manhattan in February.

Officials at the time said no foul play was suspected, and the medical examiner’s office had listed her death as “undetermined.”

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Trachtenberg’s family had objected to an autopsy, which the medical examiner’s office honored because there was no evidence of criminality.

Her representative didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday.

Story continues below advertisement

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Taylor Momsen and Blake Lively were among the celebrities who mourned Trachtenberg when her Feb. 26 death was announced.

Trachtenberg was 8 when she began playing Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” from 1994 to 1996 and then starred in the title role in the film adaptations of “Harriet the Spy” and “Inspector Gadget,” opposite Matthew Broderick.

In 2000 Trachtenberg joined the cast of “Buffy,” playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar between 2000 and 2003.

Trachtenberg went on to recurring roles on “Six Feet Under,” “Weeds” and “Gossip Girl,” where she played the gang’s scheming nemesis, Georgina Sparks. She was one of the original series’ stars to return for a pair of guest appearances in the 2021 “Gossip Girl” revival.

Trachtenberg’s later credits included the 2004 teen sex comedy “EuroTrip” and 2009’s “17 Again” with Zac Efron and Leslie Mann.


&copy 2025 The Canadian Press



share Share facebook pinterest whatsapp x print

Similar Content

Talk about building perseverance — robotics team from Hamilton rehab centre wins big at Lego competition | CBC News
Talk about building perseverance — robotics team from Hamilton rehab centre wins big at Lego competition | CBC News
OnlyFans Model Charged With Murder, Allegedly Killed Paying Client While Filming BDSM Content - E! Online
OnlyFans Model Charged With Murder, Allegedly Killed Paying Client While Filming BDSM Content – E! Online
Trump, Xi "don't have any plans" to speak amid tariff standoff, says U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer
Trump, Xi “don’t have any plans” to speak amid tariff standoff, says U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer
Why tracking your parents is about to be the next big thing
Why tracking your parents is about to be the next big thing
Mobile top-up firm dragging its feet over fully refunding my mum £1,900
Mobile top-up firm dragging its feet over fully refunding my mum £1,900
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick says
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick says
From the Ground Up: Authentic News as It Happens | © 2025 | Daily News